Description
Discover how to make delicious meatballs in grape jelly and barbecue sauce with our detailed guide. Includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
Ingredients List
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Ground Pork: 1 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Grape Jelly: 1 cup
- Barbecue Sauce: 2 cups
- Optional Additions: 1/4 cup chili sauce or mustard for extra flavor
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet.
- Bake or Brown the Meatballs:
- Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. (If using a slow cooker, you can skip this step and add raw meatballs directly to the sauce.)
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a slow cooker or large pot, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Whisk until smooth. If desired, add chili sauce or mustard for extra flavor.
- Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce:
- Slow Cooker Method: Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Stovetop Method: Add the meatballs to the pot, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the meatballs warm, straight from the slow cooker or pot. They can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or noodles.
Notes
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Ground Meat: Use fresh, high-quality ground beef or pork for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauce Ingredients: Opt for a good-quality barbecue sauce and grape jelly to enhance the overall taste.
Balance the Flavors
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the balance by adding more grape jelly for sweetness or more barbecue sauce for tanginess.
Cooking Techniques
- Uniform Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Pre-Bake for Best Texture: Pre-baking the meatballs helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming greasy.
Customize the Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding herbs like parsley or spices like smoked paprika to the meatballs for added flavor.